A Steady Keel

09/15/24 • 42 min

In this sermon, Bill Chapman draws on his love of sailing to illustrate how Jesus is the "steady keel" in our lives, keeping us on course amidst life's challenges. Using sailing imagery, he explains that just as a boat needs both a sail and a keel to navigate, we too need the right balance in our spiritual lives. The sail represents our character and our direction, while the keel represents Jesus, who stabilises and grounds us. Without a keel, a sailboat is at the mercy of the wind, drifting wherever the wind blows it. Likewise, without the steady foundation of Jesus in our lives, we are prone to being tossed about by the pressures and circumstances we face. The keel, however, gives the boat stability and helps it move forward in the direction it is meant to go, no matter the strength of the wind or the height of the waves. Bill emphasizes that in life, we will face challenges, storms, and adversity, but if our "keel" is secure—anchored in Jesus, God, and the Holy Spirit—we will remain on course. He uses Hebrews 2:1 (MSG), reminding us to hold firm to what we have learned so we don’t drift away. He also links the concept of the steady keel to the Apostles' Creed, which summarizes the core of Christian faith. Just as a boat’s keel must be well-formed to endure the wind, our lives must be rooted in the truths of our faith—God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, Bill encourages us to understand what our keel is—our faith in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit—and to rely on it in order to navigate through the pressures of life. No matter how difficult or overwhelming the journey becomes, trusting in God as our steady keel will ensure we remain on course, moving forward toward His purpose for us.

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How to Sabbath

In this sermon, Martin O’Brien continued his teaching on the Sabbath, focusing on how we can practice it today. He emphasised that Sabbath-keeping can look different for everyone but remains vital for our spiritual and physical formation. Martin referenced Exodus 20:8-11 to highlight how Sabbath originated as one of the Ten Commandments, reminding us that God established this day of rest after creating the world. Over time, people drifted away from its purpose, turning Sabbath into a rigid law. In the New Testament, Jesus redeemed the Sabbath by restoring its intended rhythm and challenging the legalism that had surrounded it. How Do We Sabbath Today? As followers of Christ, we are called to follow His example and make Sabbath a priority. However, there isn’t a single right way to observe it. The Sabbath is meant to help us reset, rest, refocus, and reconnect with God. Here are some ways Martin suggested we can Sabbath: - Disconnect from social media, TV, and video games. - Avoid chores and housework. - Spend time with friends and enjoy a meal together. - Engage in relaxing activities like walking, reading, or playing games. - Spend time in prayer, reading the Bible, and worshipping God. - Embrace joy and fun, much like you would on Christmas Day. How to Sabbath: Prepare, Practice, Pray 1. Prepare: Finish your work and chores ahead of your Sabbath so you can rest fully. 2. Practice: Find a rhythm that suits your lifestyle and needs. Sabbath doesn’t have to be on a Sunday or a full day but should be a dedicated time to rest and focus on God. 3. Pray: Reconnect with God intentionally. Be thankful and mindful of the purpose of the Sabbath. Martin reminded the church not to overplan their Sabbath. Take things slow, listen to the Holy Spirit, and be flexible when things don’t go smoothly. Embrace social connections as well, as sharing the Sabbath with others can bring joy and deepen your relationship with God. Sabbath as a Rhythm of Life The Sabbath is more than an obligation; it’s a rhythm that needs to be woven into our lives. It takes intentionality and effort but is crucial for our spiritual growth. Martin encouraged everyone to start finding their personal rhythm of Sabbath. When we make space for Sabbath, we will experience more energy, peace, and joy. Let’s embark on this journey together, embracing the beauty of Sabbath and making it a vital part of our walk with God.

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Waiting on God

Bill Chapman’s message centred on the theme of Waiting on God and the importance of being attuned to His presence and purpose. He began by sharing a personal thought: "Too many of my people see something that I am doing as unusual and they dismiss me and miss the angels." This highlighted how easily we overlook God's work when it doesn't align with our expectations. Bill urged the congregation to be open to the adventure God wants to take us on—experiencing His glory, grace, and power. He emphasised that pressing into unfamiliar and uncomfortable places, where only angels tread, requires us to step out of our comfort zones. This could be as simple as showing compassion, such as giving someone a hug. The key question posed was: Are we really listening to the Holy Spirit? Reflecting on Isaiah 40:27-31, Bill reminded us that God never tires and provides strength to those who wait upon Him. He challenged the church to consider what it means to truly "wait on God" and how often we are willing to do so. We often follow God’s preordained plans passively, but Bill called for an active response: "God, how can I serve? Use me." Through biblical stories, Bill illustrated the power of saying "yes" to God. Jacob’s journey, where he encountered angels and realised God's presence, shows how obedience can lead to divine encounters. Bill invited the church to imagine what Llanelli could look like if everyone who follows Christ took an adventurous step of faith, trusting God even in the unknown. Bill referenced other biblical stories to illustrate the importance of obedience: - Gideon had to trust God's plan by reducing his army and relying on trumpets and torches. - Joshua followed God’s unusual command to bring down the walls of Jericho by marching silently for six days. - Peter responded to Cornelius' vision from an angel, opening the door for the gospel to reach new places. The message ended with a call to action: We must learn to linger in God's presence, be faithful in prayer, scripture reading, and Sabbath observance, and ask God to use us in His transformative plans. Through trust and obedience, we can experience the adventure God has prepared for us.